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I find it takes quite a good force to start the plunge motion down and when it finally starts down you can smash the turning bit in too fast. I really like the soft start feature that totally eliminates the torque jerk when turning on. The up and down motion is not smooth at all. I find that I have to use the knob in front to start the plunge to prevent this. Using the knob to start the plunge will prevent the jerk.
I've been using one of these for about six months now and I have yet to find anything significant to complain about. But at the end of the day, this router has done everything I've ever asked it to and then some. I certainly do not doubt that other people have had significant problems with theirs, but I do have a feeling that these cases comprise a clear minority regardless of how vocal they might be.
It does weigh a ton, though, so if you like to do a lot of door hinges sideways and one handed, this is absolutely not the tool for you. The spring-defeat button could also deliver a little more in the way of visual feedback as to whether or not it is currently engaged. Grabbing onto those gigantic, sturdy handles and pulling the trigger is just plain fun any way you slice it.
There are however a few things keeping the 1619 away from that fifth star in my book: the cheap sticker they used to apply the Bosch logo to the motor is just plain ugly, the dust extraction fixture is so flimsy that it should really not even be in the box, and they don't give you the special-order centering cone you need to re-align the sub-base after you take it off. I think that pretty much everyone else who finds themselves in the market for a good router should give this model serious consideration, however; unless there's room in the budget for the Festool of course. Mine has not exhibited any sort of slippage when mounted under a table whatsoever, and looking at the way the locking mechanism is affixed, I'm not entirely sure how it possibly could.
There have been a couple of times where I'd *thought* I'd killed the springs only to have the whole thing jump out at me when I released the depth adjustment lock. If it ever dies I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
I released the locking mechanism while holding the router upside down and it fell to the end of the plunge. The bolt is held to the base by a compression washer which is visible when you remove the base plate from the router.Mounted upside down in a table, this washer is the only thing supporting the entire weight of the router. I will find out tomorrow if they have redesigned this little bolt. They shipped 2 new washers to the store and we reassembled the router. Same problem. A nice feature considering the weight of the router.This washer slipped off of the bolt and the router dropped like a rock in my table when the machine was running. There is a button that you push to release the spring pressure.
Luckily I have a paddle switch which allowed for a quick power down. I returned it to the store and the sales gal called Bosch to see if they have revised this part. There is a bolt that holds the step adjuster to the base. If Bosch has not revised this part, I will get a refund and look into another manufacturer. Too bad because it really is a nice machine and it has all the features you would want in a router.If I hear any positive news, I will update this review.03/26/2009 - Bosch explained to the store that they had a series of these washers that were undersized and they found their way into the production line. Guess what. Lots of power, soft start, one wrench bit removal, 6 speeds, on/off switch built into the grip, the works. So, as a plunge router, I would recommend it highly.
The adjusting rod locks into this step adjuster allowing you to adjust the height of the router from under the table. The washer slipped off right along with it. If it was machined with a washer type head to prevent it from slipping through the base, the problem would be solved but there is no way that the compression washer will hold the weight of this machine under a table. Even if they machined a groove in the bolt and used a snap ring to hold it, that would work.In fairness, it would probably work fine as a plunge router but I would not buy it for use under a router table. I returned the router and the sales gal gave me a refund.In the upright position, used as a plunge router, this lock does not come into play. Really a nice tool but not for use in a router table.Hope this helps.Joe.
The Bosch1619EVS is top of the line. I have no complaints. The router is well balanced and stable with plenty of power to spare.
You can change bits quickly and easily with one wrench thanks to an easily accessible locking mechanism. The plunge release is within thumb's reach of the left handgrip. The soft start lets you ease into your work.
The start is on the right handgrip so it is very easy and convenient to use. For grins, I decided to use it to trim some laminate on a workstation I had just completed and it absolutely flew through the job. I may discard my tiny battery powered laminate trimmer.
There are coarse and fine depth adjustments which are helpful and easy to use. I am a female so this router is a bit heavy for me but I do not consider that a significant problem and it hasn't stopped me in the least.
Working on whole house remodel including new kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity and several bookcases. Will be adding router table to table saw and see how well that works. Had router for about a year, works great, lives up to Bosch name. Amazon price was best I could find. Done everything from pine, 3/4" plywood to 1" oak without problem. Will be checking out ability to make stile and rail door panel cuts in near future.
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